Here are the top eight most commonly asked used car buying questions asked at our dealerships. We contacted five of our dealerships to help us out with composing the perfect answers. Shout out to North 45 in Houston, Bell Road in Phoenix, Decatur in Las Vegas, Beechmont in Cincinnati, and Havana in Denver – you guys rock!

Without further ado, here’s our FAQ:

1. What will my down payment be? Am I able to take the car home today and make payments on the down payment?

If you have your down payment, are approved and have everything listed in Answer #3, congrats – there’s a great chance you’ll be driving home today!

DriveTime does not offer the opportunity to make payments on the down payment. However, we do offer a layaway payment program. This program allows you to reserve the car of your choice, but you can not drive the vehicle off the lot until the down payment is fully paid. The average down payment is about $998, but nearly every customer’s down payment is different. We have over 110 locations throughout the USA and are willing to work with you and your specific needs.

2. Am I approved?

Yes, everyone is approved! The terms of our auto loan are tailored specifically to your unique financial situation. We utilize our own financial model that differs from a typical credit scoring system. However, we do have special programs designed specifically for customers with a high FICO score, so DriveTime is not just for people with credit challenges.

3. What do I need to bring with me to get into a vehicle?

To get into a vehicle you need to bring your:

Driver’s license

Proof of income (which is determined through a pay stub)

Proof of insurance

Proof of residence (which is usually a utility bill)

4. How long does the process take? Can I drive it home today? Do I need to come in to finish the application?

Each customer needs to complete the full application at a local DriveTime dealership. This is so we can verify your proof of income, residency, and insurance. The overall process time varies between each customer, but typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours.

The DriveTime experience is unique because we put the process in your hands. We allow the customer to dictate how the sales process will unfold. We first ask if you would prefer to sit down and get approved for a loan or view our inventory to find a vehicle perfectly matched for you. From there, the entire process is entirely in your control.

5. If I see a car online at one of your other locations, can you transfer it?

If you find a car online at an alternate location we can transfer it as long as it is nearby and in the same state. We truly want to make sure you get the car you want!

6. Are your prices higher compared to other used car dealers?

We believe the cost of our vehicles are fairly priced compared to our competitors. We offer an industry-leading vehicle protection plan for up to 5 years/50,000 miles with extended powertrian coverage that covers the main components of your car to ensure it gives you years of worry-free driving. A complimentary 30-day warranty is also included on all cars.

7. Why does the mileage seem high?

Mileage on our used cars can vary quite a bit, but we try to keep the mileage on our cars between 45,000 and 70,000 miles. We even have cars on our lots as low as 20,000 miles and some occasionally as low as 200! Although the mileage can sometimes be a little on the high end, you should keep in mind our warranty offer and our vigorous inspections of each and every vehicle. We like to have a healthy mix of vehicles on our lot so our customers have multiple options.

8. Are you really able to help me if I have no credit?

Absolutely, at DriveTime we have the belief everyone deserves the chance to drive a great, used car. Don’t believe me? Take two minutes and see for yourself with our online approval.

Still have questions about buying a used car from DriveTime? Not a problem.

Call our customer service line at 1-888-781-5455, schedule a visit at one of our dealerships or continue to comment below and we’ll respond as soon as we can!

Interested in learning more about buying and owning a used car? Subscribe to our newsletter:

200 Comments

Marsha • 2014-02-13T14:12:41+00:00

I have 3 questions… First for the proof of income my pay stubs are online do I need to print them out? Second for the proof of residence I live with my mom take care of her and the bills are in my dads name but it’s on all my mail and license is that okay? Last but not least I just renewed my license would the paper one be acceptable? Thanks for your time

Hey Marsha, great questions! I’m not 100% certain about your license question, so please give your local dealership a call and they would be able to let you know for certain. Or, you can e-mail us at approvals@drivetime.com and one of our customer service reps can find out for sure.

Hey you there drive time I was just wondering if I could get a vehicle I have no credit I do have an income I’ve been to several car dealerships that say credit is no problem but at the end of the day I did not get approved I would love to get a vehicle I need one very bad I’m on disability and I need one to go to see doctors and get groceries and all above so if you could get back with me I would really appreciate it

When we say you are approved, we mean it! We approve everyone as long as you have verifiable income, residence and a valid driver’s license. Have you started our online approval? You’ll know what amount you are approved for within 2 minutes and can even start shopping online. You can click here to get started.

Mark, unfortunately you can’t. The basics are a down payment, proof of income, valid driver’s license, proof of residence, full insurance for a purchase and liability-only insurance for a lease. The requirements for getting the vehicle registered can vary from state to state. Time for a trip to the MVD?

Janelle, you sure can! First, start your approval online, then contact the dealership you want to visit to find out exactly what documenation they will need from you. It may be different since you’re an out-of-towner.

Hey drive time I have a question if I don’t have no income but I have my driving L. Can I use my boyfriend income because he’s name going to be on the car long as he have his stuff would that be ok for me to do?

I was wondering if we could finance 2 vehicles at the same time. We currently had a loan with you and paid it off and my husband just got a new loan with you but i need a new car and really would like to stick with Drive Time

Hi Katie, it certainly is a possibility! I would recommend giving us a call at 1-888-781-5455 so we can review your account and let you know what the next steps would be. Thanks for your continued business and we hope to see you back soon!

Hey Allan, depending on your account history and amount owed on the vehicle it’s possible we can take the vehicle in on trade. Please give your local dealership a call, let them know what you’d like to do and they’ll give you the next steps – it’s actually a really simple process. Thanks for thinking of us again!

Hey Shaun, all great questions! Insurance and verifiable employment are requirements and down payments will vary depending on your approval and vehicle you’d like to take home. I’d recommend giving one of our customer service representatives a call at 1-888-781-5455 who can answer these questions for you and any others you may have.

My girlfriend was looking at a 2005 chevy trailblazer and now i see only drivetime that has a trailblazer is out of state. do you transfer a vehicle or try finding one around my state if a customer wants a certain vehicle? She wants a suv like a trailblazer and had her heart and soul set on one she saw at dealership here in town but by time her payday came it was gone.

Sorry to hear your girlfriend missed out on her Trailblazer! Luckily, you have a couple options. If you find another Trailblazer within your state at another dealership, we can transfer it. Just get in touch with your local dealership. the other option is if you find another Trailblazer and aren’t ready to purchase, you can put it on layaway and we will hold the vehicle for you until you’re ready. We add new vehicles to our website every day, so keep checking back!

Hey Jasper, typically this is not a problem if you are looking to purchase a vehicle from us. However, we can’t lease vehicles to out of state customers. As all registration and title requirements vary by state, I’d recommend contacting the dealership you’d like to visit to get the details.

I have an appointment to see some cars, since I got approved online.. My question is, I have a driver license but it just expired 3 weeks ago.. I am going to the dmv to re new it but not till my next day off witch is next week.. Would this be a problem to purchase a vehile since I have an appointment this Saturday..
Thanks

Hey Bri, congrats on getting your learners permit! Purchasing a car requires someone 18 years of age or older to sign the contracts, so unfortunately, if you are not yet 18 you can’t purchase a vehicle. Some states will allow you to be a co-buyer, so I would recommend checking with your local dealership.

Hey Mark, anyone can lease a car for $895 down and it varies if you are looking to purchase. You can e-mail our approvals department at approvals@drivetime.com to get some additional info, or go to our website and use the chat feature in the bottom right of the screen.

Hi I had a question I just got approved ,but my only problem is I am self-employed but my boss deposits my checks to my account when I go to the dealership am I able too take my bank statements too show you guys I do have a income?

Hi Katherine, I’d recommend giving our online approvals department a call at 888-781-5455 and let them know exactly what proof of income you do have to see if we can accept that, or what we would need in order to get you approved.

My fiancé is self employed, but he has 2 years of tax returns. And I recently started a new job, how many check stubs would I need? And he has a license but I don’t could I be a co signer for him? And how are the payments calculated, if we make more money will the payments be higher? And I noticed in fine print it says that 200 will be due biweekly is that the same for every income and every car or could the payments be less based on qualifications? Sorry I know I have a lot of questions.

Hey Stephanie, those are all great questions! It sounds like your income qualification is ok, for both you and your fiance (congrats on the engagement!). The payments are based on your individual approval, down payment and the vehicle you want to purchase. The disclaimer at the bottom you are referring to is only for lease vehicles and not purchases. The only want to truly answer 100% of your questions is to first to get approved online, then stop into a dealership to find your perfect vehicle and calculate the payments.

Hey DT, I was very interested in the 2012 Chrysler 200 in my city…& I read about the $895 down payment , but later read that the $895 only applies to starter cars, I’m in need of a car ASAP & don’t have much to put down. How will I know which car is a starter car for the $895 down payment or it doesn’t matter? And also since I’ll be leasing a vehicle, do I need full coverage or just the state required insurance? Thanks a TON!!!

Hey Shay, thanks for checking out DriveTime! The best way to find out exactly what you will need for a down payment and insurance requirements is to call or stop into your local dealership. They will be the most helpful in getting into your Chrysler 200 as soon as possible!

Hi drivetime! I filled out an online application and was approved up to a certain amount. My concern is, will that amount change once I visit a drivetime location and they run my credit? My score is low but my income is high, and I have pay stubs to show it. My nearest dealership is 3 hours away, I just don’t want to drive that far to be disappointed when I don’t qualify for the amount I need for my vehicle of interest. Thanks!

Hey J, the down payment amount will change depending on what vehicle you want to purchase. I’d recommend giving the dealership a call that you want to purchase from and see what can be completed before you make the 3-hour trip, I wouldn’t want any surprises either! You can search and get in touch with your closest dealership by clicking here.

Hey, I purchased a vehicle through y’all about a year ago. I was wondering if it is possible to gert another one. I purchased a suv and I’m currently needed a truck. I thought I could make it work but I miss having one now. I enjoyed using y’all…

Hey Jeff, thanks for thinking of us again, we love our repeat customers! It is certainly possible to get another vehicle from us, as long as you meet our income requirements. You can start by either getting approved online or getting in touch with your local dealership, who can better explain your options based on your account history. Hopefully we have the truck you want in stock!

Hi Laura, you are able to co-sign for your sister as long as you meet the minimum income requirements, so you’ll have to check with your local dealership. The majority of our vehicles are for sale and each dealership a selection of vehicles that are available to lease.

Hi, i recently filled out the online approval and was approved for $17,000. I was wondering how much i would have to put down on a vehicle in that price range and if trading in my current vehicle is also an option. I have little cash and my fiance and i desperately need a new more reliable vehicle.

Hi Mekia, after you get approved online you can stop into your local dealership and pick out the vehicle you want. Once you are approved and know which vehicle you want to take home, you will know exactly what down payment you will need!

Hey Lisa, there are times that we can accept an offer letter or other form of employment verification in lieu of actual paystubs. Feel free to first get approved online then head into your local dealership, who will be able to tell you exactly when you will be able to get a car!

Hi guys from drive time,I have a couple of questions.I work through a temporary service is that a problem for me to get a vehicle? If I was approved for up to 17,000 how much of a down payment will I need ,if the car im wanting is 12,000? And I only have 500 for a down payment will that work?

Hi Chinique, since this is a unique situation I would recommend heading into your local DriveTime dealership, explain your current job situation and depending on your approval and the details you provide we can make exceptions or offer alternative solutions.

Hi I have my permit and my driver’s test is next month I heard if you don’t have a valid DL But your cosigner does I can still purchase/lease a car but what of my cosigner license is an out of state license will I still be able to purchase/lease a car?..

Jessica, a co-signer is able to purchase or lease a vehicle with an out of state driver’s license. Please contact your local dealership for any specific documentation they may need in order to approve the loan. At this time, we can’t lease vehicles to customers without an in-state license.

So I see here that you need to have proof of insurance. How am I supposed to get insurance when I don’t have a car. Which would be why I’m going to Drivetime to purchase a car. Maybe it’s a silly question.

hi Noble, while we can’t loan customers money for a down payment, we do offer a layaway program! Visit your local dealership, choose the car you want and a payment schedule that works for you and we will hold the vehicle for you until you built up enough for your down payment!

Hi Tawny, down payments are usually required but it depends on your approval and the vehicle you want to purchase. Talk with your local dealership and they will be able to let you know exactly what your down payment will be and if you need one.

I’m trying to continue my education in the fall but I owe my school. School is very important to me but I also would like to get a car that’s affordable and a car I can drive back to school. Is their any hope in getting a car?

Hi Kati, being a co-signer previously doesn’t necessarily mean you will need one. DriveTime is known for providing approvals for vehicles that people couldn’t get elsewhere, so there is a chance you can be approved on your own. Have you started our online approval to get started?

I got a car from DriveTime 2 years ago. I lost my job late last year and fell behind on my payments. Then my car broke down and I couldn’t afford to fix and pay the note, so I called DriveTime and did a voluntary repo about a month ago. Is it possible to get another car from DriveTime now that I’m more stable?

Hi Monica, absolutely! We often allow customers to purchase or lease from DriveTime after a repossession or bankruptcy. I recommend you talk with your local dealership and see what vehicles you are approved for, or if our new Cancel Anytime Lease allows more flexibility for you!

I am looking to purchase a vehicle, not lease. & I filled out the online thing and it said I was approved for 31000/ but just this week, I was denied for a 10,000 dollar vehicle at another dealer. Is this a guarantee approval, my credit score is only 449

Hi Brittany, at DriveTime, everyone is approved! To receive your final approval amount and terms, please visit your local dealership. They’ll be able to tell you the specifics of your approval, down payment, monthly payment, APR, etc. after you find the vehicle you want!

I am currently leasing a vehicle from drivetime. I wanted to know it was possible to transfer the vehicle in my sisters name. She would like the vechile now plus she makes some of the payments to just want to know of its possible

Hi latiffany, since the lease still requires a contract to be signed, it is possible for your sister to get the vehicle, but it would require her to lease the vehicle directly from us. Please contact your DriveTime dealership for more info and we’ll be happy to help!

Hey I am looking at a couple trucks on here and there all more than what I was aproved for would there be any way I could still get one of them? Like have a bigger down payment or something? And if I see a car online that is at a different location can it be transferred from anywhere within the state?

Hey Jonathan, it’s certainly possible to still get the truck you want by putting down a larger down payment or by utilizing a co-signer. We can also transfer any vehicle from another dealership within the state, just let us know what and where it is! I recommend heading into your local dealership to see about being able to get the truck you have your eye set on, they’d be happy to help!

Leaundra, sorry to hear you’ve had a couple problems with your vehicle! Hopefully we were able to get them fixed for you. Depending on how long ago you purchased your vehicle, you may be eligible for our CHAMP program which allows you trade-in your current vehicle and get a new one for little or no money down and at a lower interest rate! You can call our customer service line at 1-888-781-5455 for more info or stop into your local dealership.

Hey! I was approved for up to $17,800 on the online approval. I’ve been looking at a car that y’all have on the lot for $13,000. Would I be more likely to get a smaller down payment option because of this? Or a better interest rate or something?

Thomas, it’s certainly possible! Have you visited your local dealership yet to get your final approval and to choose your vehicle? They’ll be able to let you know exactly what your down payment and interest rate are.

Hi Tonya, we do take trades! The value of the trade can certainly be applied as your down payment. Your local dealership can provide you with the trade-in value of your vehicle, so please stop in or call them at any time.

Hi Joey, the payments on vehicles vary depending on your personal approval, the vehicle you choose and your down payment. We offer many different options to make your car payments, from AutoPay, pay by text message, pay in person at any Walmart, Kmart or CheckFreePay, online, by phone or by mail and MoneyGram.

Hi Lori, great question! The term on our auto loans vary, but most customers decide to finance their vehicles for 60 months. It can be shorter on longer depending on your approval and desired monthly payment.

Hello DriveTime, I was just approved for $16000 and I recently got my permit. I am older than 18 and my driving exam isn’t for another 3 weeks. I need a car ASAP and I have the enough for a $1100 down payment. My question is, can my brother, who has a valid drivers license, take the car out of the lot for me even though he isn’t a co-signer?

Hello, your website says I’ve been approved up to a certain amount. I’ve had a repo about 6 months ago and would like to know if that would pose a problem. Also would like to know what would be the highest down payment woult you guys require for a vehicle saying about 18000.

Well I have been a loyal customer for 7 years tried to buy my 3rd vehicle and my current rate is 12.9 and they were trying to make me pay for my warranty and give me 15.9 interest and only $1,600 for my trade. They had the same vehicle there for sale for $14985. Can you tell me why the Ocala store was trying to screw me like that? Especially when I got $5000 for my last trade. These are the same vehicles I bought twice just newer years. Great customer service.

I am assuming there is no reason for this inadequate customer service is the reason I have not gotten a response. It is ok, I bought a brand new vehicle for a 2.9 interest rate with the same monthly payment that I had with your dealership. Good luck to the rest of the people that get suckered into your company.

Hello I wanted to know if I have a license but don’t have auto insurance yet until I the vehicle is it okay if I set up insurance right then and there and if my income is only 400 a month and varies because of hours will my payments be affordable and does title and tags included in down payment ?

Hi Brittany, you don’t have to have auto insurance until you purchase or lease a vehicle, so the same day is ok. However, you will likely need a co-signer and/or additional income in order to afford a vehicle. The titling fee, tags, registration and documentation fees are not typically included in the down payment.

This is going to be a really wierd question but I go a car from you guys 3 years ago and was laid off my job so I could not make the payments and my car was repossessed. Could I ever finance with you guys again in the future?

Mona, Thanks for thinking of us again! Certainly, we love to give our prior customers another chance at vehicle ownership. Feel free to stop into your local dealership or start your approval process online.

Im a cosigner for and individual. But the individual didn’t have income to get a car. So they used mine. Ad a cosigner they shouldn’t use my income they should use the person actually purchasing the car correct.

As a co-signer, a bank will use your credit history and income for the approval. If you co-signed for a DriveTime customer’s loan, feel free to give us a call at 1-888-781-5455 with any additional questions.

What would happen if I’m leasing a car and move to a new state with out having a job . Could we negotiate a payment plan that would let me go 2 months without paying my note then pay it back when I get a new job?

Hi Paola – yes, it is still possible to purchase or lease a vehicle from us if you have had a prior repossession, especially with a co-buyer. I recommend getting approved online then stopping into your local dealership to discuss your options with them!

Hi Lacresha – depending on your account history and amount owed on the vehicle, it’s possible we can take the vehicle in on trade. Please give your local dealership a call, let them know what you’d like to do and they’ll give you the next steps. Thanks for thinking of us again!

Hi Danny – yes, you will still need a down payment. Visit your local dealership to discuss your options further! They’ll be able to tell you exactly how much is needed for your down payment, as well as your interest rate.

I have the lease to own program currently in Pensacola Fl, I have had this car 07 Chrysler Pacifica since 03/14 til current. I have had some minor issues in the last month with the car.
The radio would cut in and out. Then weeks later the lights would flicker on dashboard and the headlights with radio cutting out. Then it would not do it at all for a while then would start back up a week later.
Then it started shutting off when i come to a stop and starting right back up sometimes I would have to start it back up after putting in neutral or park. Then this week for the first time it cut all the way off no emergency lights nothing would work waited about 2 mins and played with the stick sliding it back to park 2 times and everything came back on. 1 day later left the store attempted to start the car wont start just makes clicking noise. All lights radio and everything comes on, tried to jump it nothing. I’ve spoke with customer service they told me to take it to a shop and then pay 100.00 for deductible and then the shop would call averex to see whats in warranty. I’m just really upset i’m not able to drive a car i’m paying for and cant be told in advance whats in warranty so i can see how much money i need to have save before repairs.
Please help.

I have gone through the online application and I’ve been approve for any vehicle on the lot . Will I have to put a huge down payment considering the fact that I am approved for any and all vehicles on the lot ?

Hi Samantha! It will depend on the price of the vehicle. Contact your local dealership to discuss your options further! They’ll be able to tell you exactly how much is needed for your down payment, as well as your interest rate.

I was considering purchasing a vehicle from drive time, but had heard a story from a friend that although current on payments, her car was repossessed because she had let her insurance lapsed. The drive time rep told her even if she could purchase a policy on her payday 4 days later, she would be unable to reclaim her vehicle

Hi Ray – at the time of signing on the lot, we require full coverage insurance. If you need to reinstate the vehicle’s insurance after you’ve started making payments on the vehicle, we recommend calling our Customer Relations Department at 800-965-8043.

Hi Alesia – since this is a unique situation, I would recommend heading into your local dealership, explain your current job situation and depending on your approval and the details you provide we can make exceptions or offer alternative solutions.

Hi CD – as a cosigner, your parent will be responsible for payments if you are late or unable to make a payment. As long as you stay up to date with your payments, your parent will not have to pay for you. If you have more questions, or want to see what your payments will look like, give your local dealership a call and they’ll show you your options!

Hi KD – Since laws vary by state, we want to make sure you receive the correct information. I would recommend contacting your local dealership and explaining your situation. They’ll be able to look into your situation further.

Hi Chris – congratulations on the new baby! Depending on your account history and amount owed on the vehicle, it’s possible we can take the vehicle in on trade. Please give your local dealership a call, let them know what you’d like to do and they’ll give you the next steps.

Hi Ginger! Great question! It’s going to depend on a couple of other factors – if you have a trade-in, if you currently owe on your current vehicle, etc. – so the best thing to do would be to contact your local dealership and let them know you’re interested in the $17,000 vehicle. They’ll be able to tell you exactly how much your down payment will be.

So i have decided that DriveTime is the place for me but i only make about $870 a month right now. I was approved for like 16000 but I do not want a high monthly payment. I dont have money saved and need a car fast! what are my options? Also, when leasing a car is the $200 biweekly payment set in stone or is there a way to make that lower? HELP! lol

Hi Xavier! All great questions. The best thing to do would be to contact your local dealership and let them know exactly how much you make monthly. After they have this information, they can go over options that best fit your lifestyle.

I am a bartender and I was wondering if my General Manager could write a letter on letterhead proving my income status and how long I have worked for the the company. Would this work for proof. Thank you!

Hi Jennifer – definitely obtain a letter on letterhead from your GM. Our dealership may have a form they’ll require to be filled out by your GM as well that they can fax over, but the letter proving your income status is a good step to take for proof. Definitely contact your local dealership to see if they can fax over the form beforehand.

Ok I have a few questions. I don’t make much and know I need full coverage to drive. I don’t make much and would have to have very low monthly payments at the moment. I don’t have good credit that I know of. How low can you do your payments? And for proof of.residency all I have is papers from my health coverage. Would those work?

Hi Leann – for proof of residency, do you have any bills with your address on it? Or maybe your lease agreement? Or a W-2?

In regards to monthly payments, we take a few things into consideration – such as down payment and monthly income – so we recommend contacting your local dealership and they can tell you exactly how much you can be paying monthly for a vehicle.

Hi Chris – many times, we can answer a question only to a certain extent, more information is usually needed. Rather than provide the wrong details – down payment numbers, cars available, etc. – we ask readers to visit the website to view their dealership’s inventory online, or give them a call with their specific information to receive a good answer. We definitely don’t want to force anyone into our dealerships, but want to make sure they’re getting the information they need.

Hi Jason – to answer your questions:
Lease – Yes, a lease can be done. We have a separate lease inventory which you can view at your local dealership.

Employment – You’ll need to provide proof of income for three months. If you haven’t been employed for that long, you’ll need to fill out our Employment Verification Form, which a sales associate will walk through with you!

Hi Drivetime,
I am currently leasing a vehicle with you guys since 04/01/2014 to current. I am wanting to currently trade this vehicle in for another lease vehicle. How do i got about doing so? Also what will i need to do this? Such as a new down payment or can i apply my 500.00 credit. Or do i need to pay my current note and a down payment?
I really want to trade in Friday on my payday. I am located in Pensacola , Fl.
Thanks

Hi Alysia – you can definitely trade in your vehicle for another lease! You can also apply your credit to the down payment, but will still be responsible for the difference. Contact your local dealership to schedule a visit!

DriveTime Automotive Group

DriveTime is the nation's largest used car dealership network helping people with credit issues find and finance a great used car. Here we unveil company news, insights into our culture and provide comprehensive resources for used car buyers.

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DriveTime Automotive Group

DriveTime is the nation's largest used car dealership network helping people with credit issues find and finance a great used car. For dealership locations, approvals, and vehicle inventory, please visit drivetime.com